Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency Regular Meeting - November 5, 2025

The Hollywood CRA Board met on November 5, 2025, at 9:00 AM in City Hall. The meeting covered consent agenda items, three regular agenda resolutions, an informational report on district activities, and extensive discussion on funding for Cinema Paradiso. The board approved all consent and regular agenda items unanimously, and after debate approved a quarterly funding plan for the cinema marketing initiative.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5: Resolution R-CRA-2025-42 amending the Beach District budget for FY 2026.
• Item 6: Resolution R-CRA-2025-43 authorizing year-end budget transfers for the Downtown District for FY 2025.
• Item 7: Resolution R-CRA-2025-44 authorizing year-end budget transfers for the Beach District for FY 2025. All consent items were approved unanimously on a motion by Board Member Hernandez, seconded by Board Member Shuham.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bob Wickman (Hollywood Beach resident): Spoke about ongoing issues with FDOT-maintained flapgates and drainage on the beach, stating water is leaking through manhole covers and streets. He urged the CRA to keep pressure on FDOT. The CRA Executive Director confirmed FDOT has been contacted and a meeting is being scheduled. Board members expressed frustration with FDOT's maintenance and discussed potential reimbursement or taking over maintenance themselves.
• Bob Glickman: Commented on Item 9 (Vactor truck purchase), questioning why an extended warranty/maintenance agreement was not included in the purchase. He expressed support for the item but recommended adding the warranty. After discussion with City Utilities Director Vin Morale, the board decided to pass on the warranty based on past experience, and the item was approved.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – Interlocal Agreement for Signage CEI Services: Resolution authorizing an agreement with Carnahan, Proctor and Cross, Inc. for construction engineering inspection on combined signage projects (citywide and CRA districts) not to exceed $184,800. The CRA’s share is about one-third of the cost. Approved unanimously.
• Item 9 – Purchase of Vactor 2100i Sewer Cleaner Truck: Resolution to transfer $526,410.35 to the city for a new sewer cleaner truck via piggyback procurement. Board members expressed support, especially for CRA district maintenance. Bob Glickman’s comment on the warranty was discussed but not adopted. Approved unanimously.
• Item 10 – Keating Park Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant: Resolution ratifying grant application to FDEP for up to $750,000 with 50% matching funds. The grant will fund park improvements. The project manager presented preliminary plans for a possible tot lot expansion (estimated $230,000), but board members expressed concerns about cost and suitability, preferring simpler options like a swing set or exploring a splash pad. Direction was given to staff to explore simpler, lower-cost options and report back. The resolution itself was approved unanimously.
• Informational Report (Item 11) – Monthly Activities Update: The Executive Director highlighted the grand opening of the Art and Culture Center’s new hub, progress on the Hollywood Beach golf course stormwater improvements (ahead of schedule), downtown parking projects, and a “Coffee with the Crew” session on Harrison Street construction. Jennifer Holman, Executive Director of the Art and Culture Center, presented a detailed update on the Cinema Paradiso operations since June 2025. She reported cutting the monthly deficit from $4,000 to $2,000, increasing attendance to 600-1,000 per month, and outlined marketing needs including a $60,000 investment for promotional videos and campaigns.

Key Outcomes

• Art and Culture Center Cinema Funding: After extensive debate, the board voted 5-2 to approve a quarterly release of $15,000 from the CRA’s $60,000 marketing budget (total $320,000 for FY 2026) for the Cinema Paradiso initiative. The funds are conditional on quarterly reports showing ROI and progress. The motion was made by Board Member Callari and seconded by Board Member Biederman. Commissioners Hernandez and Gruber voted no. Staff was also directed to explore alternative city funding sources to free up marketing dollars for digital advertising.
• American Legion Post 92 Mural: A motion was made and carried unanimously to approve $11,250 from the CRA budget to replace a deteriorated wire mesh mural at American Legion Post 92 with a new mural.
• Cobra Joe’s Car Show Contract: Board Member Hernandez indicated he would bring up renewal and potential increase of the Dream Car Classic contract at the next city commission meeting (contract is with city, not CRA).
• Other directives: Staff was asked to provide updates on drainage issues on Van Buren Street, relocation of a light pole on 19th Avenue, and continued tenant recruitment for downtown vacancies. The board also requested enhanced social media marketing for special events and further exploration of a downtown parking app.